Southern State Community College Math/English Self-Directed Placement Assessment

Southern State Community College Math/English Self-Directed Placement Assessment Taking responsibility for your education from the beginning Effective 5/27/09 Revised 12.11.09

Overview of SSCC Self-Directed Placement Assessment PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY Getting started Starting your college career can present new challenges. Some of these challenges may include choosing a major, selecting the level of math and English classes for your first quarter, and completing the forms necessary for enrollment. Throughout your admission process, your concerns will be addressed, and you will have a qualified and trained team of individuals willing to help out along the way. You are not alone, and you are not expected to have all the answers upfront. Why have a placement assessment? The first step in becoming a student at Southern State is identifying the math and English courses that are appropriate for you. Why start with math and English? you might ask. Math and English are considered two of the most fundamental disciplines of any college experience. They provide the foundation for learning at the college level. All students begin their college career with different skills, and the document you are about to review will provide you guidance in selecting the most appropriate course for you. This material takes into account your past experiences in related subjects, your personal evaluation of your abilities, and recommendations based on the input you provide. Why self-directed? We have adopted this form of placement because we believe that you are the best judge of your abilities. It is important that you carefully consider your responses to the enclosed material, as there will not be anyone second guessing your placement. In essence, placement above or below your abilities could adversely affect your education pursuits. What if I need help? Although this model of self-directed placement is intended to put students in a position of responsibility from the beginning, we recognize that various factors affect students confidence in their responses. Therefore, advisors are available for additional guidance. If you feel uneasy about any portion of the self-directed placement, ask to speak with an advisor. Now what? To begin the assessment, turn the page and follow the instructions. As mentioned before, it is important that you take care reading the material and making these decisions. Once you have reviewed the material and made your selections, please complete the separate Math/English Self-Directed Placement form provided to you when you received this packet. This form must be returned to the Student Services office prior to registration. Thank you for not marking on the actual assessment packet, as they are recycled for future students. Last Updated 12/11/09 2

Instructions for Self-Directed Placement in English Composition Courses Getting Started A successful experience in your first college writing class lays the foundation for much of the work you will have to do in your other college classes. Regardless of your academic major, you will have to do some sort of writing essays, as part of tests and exams, report papers, research papers in almost every college class you take. So, your first very important task is to decide which of the three choices is best for you: the Adult Opportunity Center (AOC), College Readiness English or the two basic freshman writing courses English 100 or English 101. Your Four Choices are: 1. English 101: English Composition I English 101 is the first of the required college writing classes students have to take for credit at Southern State. In this class, you will: Analyze and discuss readings that address complex topics. Write essays on topics taken from assigned reading for the purpose of promoting your own point of view. Follow different methods for developing your writing such as using examples, comparing and contrasting, or analyzing. Share your writing with others. Evaluate and improve your own writing. Produce essays with minimal errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Students considering an Online option for English 101 should be able to confidently state the following: 1. English is a strong subject area for me. 2. I have a 3.0 GPA or higher for college level work I have completed. 3. I am able to follow detailed written instructions. 4. I can work independently, manage my time, and meet deadlines without fail. 5. I can devote an average of 12 hours a week to this course. 6. I am an experienced computer user and can trouble-shot when I encounter technical problems. 7. I have daily access to a computer that meets all hardware and software requirements for taking English 101 online. Last Updated 12/11/09 3

2. English 100: Preparation for College Composition English 100 is a basic course for college writers. In this class, you will review the rules of English grammar and be introduced to the fundamentals of writing college essays. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis and can only be used as an elective. 3. College Readiness English This is a non-credit class that is offered on a college-quarter basis. Requirements for enrollment include a high school diploma/ged and at least minimal grammar and usage skills. The course is designed to assist students who need a brief (ten weeks) refresher before entering English 101. Instruction is individualized according to student needs. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into English 101. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. You can register for College Readiness by calling 1-800-628-7722 ext. 2687 Students who select this program usually have not had college-prep English in high school or may have been out of school for several years. This class is designed as a review of skills before entering a college English. This class provides an extensive review of grammar and usage, as well as the opportunity to write paragraphs and short essays. Students who struggled with writing in high school and need more than a brief review before beginning college English may find this is their best choice. This course has no tuition or fees. This is the perfect course to take the quarter before enrolling in college level classes, but can be taken any quarter along with college classes. 4. Adult Opportunity Center: Adult Opportunity Center (AOC) This is a non-credit program that gives students an opportunity for a more in-depth review of grammar and usage skills, as well as the opportunity for writing practice. There is NO charge for this program and materials are furnished. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into English 101. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. Students who select this program usually have not had college prep English in high school or may have been out of school for several years. This program is designed to assist students in improving their skills before entering a college English. This program provides a comprehensive review of grammar and usage concepts, as well as the opportunity to improve writing skills. Students who struggle with writing and need more than a brief review before beginning college English may find this is their best choice. Students who need to review in all areas (reading, writing, and math) should enter this program. Students who work at a slower pace or who need more time may find this their best option. Last Updated 12/11/09 4

Students who need to earn a diploma should enter this class. No college credit is associated with this program. This course has no tuition or fees. You can register for the AOC program by calling 1-800-628-7722 ext. 2687 Turn the page to begin the self-directed assessment Last Updated 12/11/09 5

Self-Directed Placement in English Which To Choose? The following information will provide you several different means of identifying the most appropriate English choice for you. Personal Skills Assessment/Other Testing Results (This section is likely to be more applicable to recent high school graduates) Consider the following requirements: 1.) I completed at least two college preparatory English classes in high school. 2.) I graduated in the top 25% of my high school class. 3.) My ACT-Writing score is 19 or higher. You might consider English 101: College Composition I if: You met at least one of the requirements above or You completed Advanced Placement English Courses in High School. You might consider English 100: Preparation for College Composition or College Readiness if: You met none of the requirements above or You consider your writing and reading skills anything but strong. Continue on next page Last Updated 12/11/09 6

Self-Directed Placement in English (continued) Inventory of Skills Read through the following statements, and note whether you disagree with each. Disagree 1.) I regularly read books for personal pleasure and enrichment. 2.) I regularly write letters, e-mails, in a journal or diary, etc. 3.) In high school, I wrote at least six essays or reports each year. 4.) My ACT-Writing score is higher than 19. 5.) I regularly use a computer to write essays and reports. 6.) I regularly read magazines and newspapers. 7.) I consider myself a strong writer. 8.) I have a very good understanding of the rules of grammar. You should definitely consider English 100: Preparation for College Composition if, You disagreed with three to four of the statements above. You should definitely consider AOC: Adult Opportunity Center if, You disagreed with more than four of the statements above. Continue on next page Last Updated 12/11/09 7

Self-Directed Placement in English (continued) Skills Application Each sentence below contains an error. Can you identify the error in each of these sentences? 1.) Judy is probably my very best friend, Sarah runs a close second, however. 2.) The men left there tools in the truck. 3.) Wearing a red dress, I thought my date was the prettiest girl at the dance. 4.) Irregardless of her parents wishes, Sharon will move into an apartment. 5.) Which is why Sharon s parents have been so angry lately. 6.) Although Sharon is on good terms with them. 7.) Between she and I, we had less than six dollars. 8.) Alot of students were absent last week. 9.) Thru the Office of the Registrar, I obtained a copy of my official records. 10.) Tom is faster Terry is even faster. 11.) The student left their books on the desk. 12.) Tom he is as good a person I have ever known. You should take English 100: Preparation for College Composition if, You can identify only two or three of the errors in the 12 sentences above. You should register in AOC: Adult Opportunity Center if, You can t identify the errors in the 12 sentences above. Continue on next page Last Updated 12/11/09 8

Making the Decision Self-Directed Placement in English (continued) Based on the information you reviewed, select the best choice in which you believe you can be the most successful. Use the Self-Directed Placement Form to record your selection. As a Reminder, Your Four Choices are: 1. English 101: English Composition I English 101 is the first of the required college writing classes students have to take for credit at Southern State. If considering this course online, refer to the guidelines suggested in the earlier section of this self-directed assessment. 2. English 100: Preparation for College Composition English 100 is a basic course for college writers. In this class, you will review the rules of English grammar and be introduced to the fundamentals of writing college essays. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis and can only be used as an elective. 3. College Readiness English This is a non-credit class that is offered on a college-quarter basis. Requirements for enrollment include a high school diploma/ged and at least minimal grammar and usage skills. The course is designed to assist students who need a brief (ten weeks) refresher before entering English 101. Instruction is individualized according to student needs. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into English 101. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. You can register for College Readiness by calling 1-800-628-7722 ext. 2687 4. Adult Opportunity Center: Adult Opportunity Center (AOC) This is a non-credit program that gives students an opportunity for a more in-depth review of grammar and usage skills, as well as the opportunity for writing practice. There is NO charge for this program and materials are furnished. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into English 101. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. If you aren t sure which English course to take, you are encouraged to read through the material again and make sure you understood the directions completely. If you still have doubts, you are welcome to talk with an English faculty member or arrange an appointment with an advisor. End of English Self-Directed Placement Last Updated 12/11/09 9

Instructions for Self-Directed Placement in Math Courses This process will help you select the best beginning math class for your situation. Step 1. From the list below identify the college level math courses that you have completed in high school with a final grade of C or better. Math Courses: Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Advanced Math Trigonometry Calculus On a separate sheet of paper, write down the total number of college level math courses that you completed in high school. Keep this number handy as you will soon use it in identifying the Southern State math course that you will likely be successful in completing. Step 2. Find the number of college level math units at the left hand side of this document that matches the number of units of college level math courses that you identified above. Read the description of all courses listed at and below this level. Identify the one that most closely fits your situation. If you narrow it down to one course great! If you narrow it down to two courses then meet with an advisor. COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES 4-5 units MATH 221 Calculus I: This course introduces calculus using analytic geometry functions. Topics include limits and continuity, derivatives, optimization, related rates, graphic and other applications of derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, and numerical integration. Students who select this course usually plan to transfer to receive a Bachelor s degree. Majors that require Calculus include: Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics, Business, Pre-Med, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Vet, Pre-Architecture, Pharmacy. Students who take this as their first math course have usually completed all the college prep math available at their high school (either 4 or 5 units). Students will have received A s in all of their math courses. Students Math ACT Score would probably be above 26. Students who plan to enter a program that requires Calculus but are not confident with their math skills may want to review College Algebra and College Trigonometry before entering this course. Last Updated 12/11/09 10

COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 3 units MATH 141 College Algebra: This course includes a study of algebra and analytic geometry with an emphasis on functions. Topics include linear, quadratic, and rational equations, analytic geometry, linear, quadratic, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Students whose program recommend a pre-calculus course or need to prepare for calculus should take this course. Students with less than 3 units must have instructor permission to enter this class. This course is the most common beginning course for students with 4 units who have earned A s or B s in all courses. Students with a Math ACT score of 22 or above should consider this option. Students with 4 units who have trouble in math or who have been out of school for a few years may be better served by a review of MATH 118 or MATH 117. Occasionally, students with 3 units select this as their first course. These students may have been one of the top 3 or 4 students in their high school math classes. Students who select this option should be able to graph functions, solve quadratic equations, and be able to manipulate algebraic fractions. This course can be demanding in both the pace of the material and the amount of study time required. Students who select this course usually plan to transfer to a four-year college and receive a bachelor s degree. ONLINE MATH 141 Students who take MATH 141 online should fit one of these profiles: 1.) Completed MATH 118 with an A 2.) Had 4 or more years of college prep math in high school. 3.) Had 3 years of college prep math in high school AND like math and usually catch on quickly. 4.) Want a brush-up before taking Calculus. Last Updated 12/11/09 11

COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 3 units MATH 118 Intermediate Algebra: This course is a continuation of algebra concepts. Topics include a review of Elementary Algebra concepts, rational expressions, linear equations, radicals, quadratic equations, functions and graphs, exponents, logarithms, and systems of equations. Students with less than 3 units must have instructor permission to enter this class. This course is the most common beginning course for students with 3 units who have earned A s or B s in all courses Students who select this course would usually have a Math ACT score of 19 or above. Students with 3 units who have trouble in math or who have been out of school for a few years may be better served by a review of MATH 117. Students in this course will be reviewing material similar to the math they studied in High School Algebra II. They would be expected to remember how to factor polynomials. They would be expected to remember how to graph a line, solve a linear equation, and simplify exponents. Students selecting this course as their first college math course need to be able to complete homework assignments in a consistent and timely manner. If the student has job or family commitments that would make it difficult to complete assignments, then MATH 117 may be a safer choice. ONLINE MATH 118 Students who take MATH 118 online should fit one of these profiles: 1.) Completed MATH 117 with an A 2.) Had 4 or more years of college prep math in high school, but still want a review. 3.) Had 3 years of college prep math in high school AND like math and usually catch on quickly. 4.) Want a brush up before taking College Algebra (MATH 141) Last Updated 12/11/09 12

COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 2 units MATH 117 Elementary Algebra: This course includes the basic concepts and techniques of elementary algebra. Topics include polynomial operations, factoring, solving first and second degree equations, coordinate system graphing, and an introduction to powers and roots. Students with less than 2 units must have instructor permission to enter this class. This course is the most common beginning course for students with 2 units. Students with 2 units who have trouble in Math or who have been out of school for a few years may be better served by a review of MATH 106. Students with 3 units who have trouble in math or who have been out of school for a few years often select this course as their first math course. Students select this course because they need to review basic algebra skills. They may have trouble recalling math techniques if they have not used them recently. They will be reviewing material similar to High School Algebra I. This is usually a safe starting course for students with a heavy college, work or personal load. This is a better choice for students who tend to procrastinate or those who find it difficult to complete practice assignments. This is a better choice for students who have personal or work requirements that would cause them to miss class. This would be a better choice if the example math topics listed in the MATH 118 description do not look familiar. ONLINE MATH 117 Students who take MATH 117 online should fit one of these profiles: 1.) Completed 106 with no retakes. 2.) Had 3 or more years of college prep math in high school, but still want a review 3.) Had 2 years of college prep math in high school AND like math and usually catch on quickly. Last Updated 12/11/09 13

COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 0-1units (Starting Fall 2009) MATH 106 Pre-algebra: This course is designed to develop skills in introductory algebra. It is for students who need more than just a quick review of introductory algebra. It covers integers, exponents, like terms and equation solving. This course counts as elective credit for graduation, but may not be used to satisfy the math requirements in any program. This is a common choice for students who had trouble with high school algebra I or have been out of school for some time. This course uses the same textbook as MATH 117, but covers less material. Students who had no courses beyond Pre-Algebra in high school often start with this course. Students who completed Algebra I in high school, but have not completed Geometry or Algebra II often begin with this course. Students who need a review of Fractions and Decimals should consider enrolling in the AOC ONLINE MATH 106 Students who take MATH 106 online should fit one of these profiles: 1. Have completed Algebra I in high school, not just pre-algebra. 2. Had 2 or more years of college prep math in high school, but still want a review. 3. Always did OK in math, but have been out of school for a while and want to take it slow. COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 0-1 units College Readiness Math: This is a non-credit class that is offered on a college-quarter basis. Requirements for enrollment include a high school diploma/ged and sound basic math skills. The course is designed to assist students who need a brief (ten weeks) refresher before entering college algebra. Instruction is individualized according to student needs. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into Math 117 or Math 115. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. Students who select this program usually have not had algebra in high school or may have had algebra several years ago and want to review their math skills before entering a college math class. This class provides a brief review of basic math and a more comprehensive exploration of elementary algebra concepts. Students who struggled with algebra in high school and need more than a brief review before beginning college algebra may find this is their best choice. This course has no tuition or fees. Last Updated 12/11/09 14

This is the perfect course to take the quarter before enrolling in college level classes, but can be taken any quarter, but may be taken along with college classes. You can register for College Readiness by calling 1-800-628-7722 ext. 2687 0-1 units AOC Adult Opportunity Center: This is a non-credit program that gives students an opportunity to review math skills at their own pace. There is NO charge for this program and materials are furnished. Some students who successfully complete this class may move directly into Math 117 or Math 115. Please work with an advisor to make your decision. Students who select this program usually have not had algebra in high school or want to improve their math skills before entering a college math class. This program provides a comprehensive review of basic math leading to elementary algebra concepts. Students who struggle with basic math and need more than a brief review before beginning algebra may find this is their best choice. Students who need to review in all areas (reading, writing, and math) should enter this program. Students who work at a slower pace or who need more time may find this their best option. Students who need to earn a diploma should enter this class. No college credit is associated with this program. This course has no tuition or fees. You can register for the AOC program by calling 1-800-628-7722 ext. 2687 Last Updated 12/11/09 15

OTHER POSSIBLE BUT LESS COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES 3 units MATH 120 Technical Math: This course contains skills and applications related to the engineering technologies. Emphasis is on formulas, graphing, trigonometry, vectors, exponential and logarithmic functions. Prerequisite: MATH 118 This course is required in the engineering technologies. Most students complete MATH 118-Intermediate Algebra before entering this course. Occasionally students with 3 units and primarily A s and B s in high school enter this course without taking MATH 118. Students with 4 units may enter this course without reviewing MATH 118. (Although students who plan to transfer to 4-year programs might take MATH 141 and Math 142 instead.) Please check with an advisor before registering for this as your first math course. 3 units MATH 160 Statistical Concepts: This course serves as a non-technical introduction to fundamental ideas in statistics. Statistical ideas are introduced through examples, showing how statistics has helped solve major problems in various fields. This course is designed for students planning to transfer into medical fields. Most students complete MATH 118 (Intermediate Algebra) before entering this course. Students with 4 units may enter this course without reviewing MATH 118. A student who selects this course as a first math course must be a sophisticated math student with good thinking skills and excellent study skills. Please check with an advisor before registering for this as your first math course. 3 units MATH 124 Finite Math: This course is designed for business and computer technologies and some general education majors. Topics include Mathematical Modeling, linear programming, matrices, logic, and an introduction to probability and statistics. A special emphasis is on mathematical applications and problem solving. This course is required in these technologies: Business, Accounting, Computer Technology, Agriculture, or Paraprofessional Education. Most students complete MATH 118 (Intermediate Algebra) before entering this course. Occasionally students with 3 units and primarily A s and B s in High School enter this course without taking MATH 118. Students with 4 units may enter this course without reviewing MATH 118. (Although students who plan to transfer to 4-year programs might take MATH 141 instead.) Please check with an advisor before registering for this as your first math course. Last Updated 12/11/09 16

OTHER POSSIBLE BUT LESS COMMON BEGINNING MATH COURSES (CONTINUED) 2 units MATH 135 Allied Health Mathematics: This course introduces math topics used in allied health fields. The topics covered include ratio and proportion, metric system, apothecary system, household (English) system, conversion factors, medical dosage calculations, pediatric dosages, solutions and abbreviations. This course is required in Medical Assisting, Emergency Medical Services, or Respiratory Therapy. Most students complete MATH 117(Elementary Algebra) before entering this course. Students in other medical fields often take this course as an elective. Occasionally students with 2 units in high school enter this course without taking MATH 117. Students with 3 units often enter this course without reviewing MATH 117. Please check with an advisor before registering for this as your first math course. 1 unit MATH 115 Business Math: This course is designed to give students experience with problem solving related to business. Arithmetic and basic algebra skills are needed prior to entry. This course is required in Human Services, Office Information Technology, and several certificate programs. Some students complete MATH 106 before entering this course. Students with 1 unit and primarily A s and B s in high school often enter this course without taking MATH 106. Students with 2 units may enter this course without reviewing MATH 106. Please check with an advisor before registering for this course as your first math course. MATH 115 is not considered a good choice for students who may in the future decide to transfer and complete a bachelor s degree. Most technology faculty will substitute a math course of MATH 117 or above for this requirement. End of Math Self-Directed Placement Last Updated 12/11/09 17

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Math/English Self-Directed Placement Assessment Name: Student ID# Phone: Email: # of high school math units I used to complete the math placement: Identify your math and English selection below: Math Placement Adult Opportunity Center College Readiness MATH 106: Pre-algebra MATH 117: Elementary Algebra MATH 118: Intermediate Algebra MATH 141: College Algebra MATH 221: Calculus Other possible but less common Math Options English Placement Adult Opportunity Center College Readiness ENGL 100: Preparation for College Composition ENGL 101: English Composition I MATH 120: Technical Math MATH 160: Statistical Concepts MATH 124: Finite Math I m not sure and would like to speak with an advisor. I m not sure and would like to speak with an advisor. Note: The purpose of self-placement is to determine the most appropriate beginning course for you to take in English and/or math to build a solid foundation for additional coursework. If you feel uneasy about any portion of the self-directed placement, speak with an advisor before completing this form. Student Signature Date Last Updated 12/11/09 19